Florida Assisted Living Association – Promoting Excellence in Assisted Living

Business View Magazine interviews Florida Assisted Living Association, as part of our Best practices in Health Care series.

Florida Assisted Living Association has a place for all interested parties.

The Florida Assisted Living Association is a strong, unified, professional organization representing the owners and operators of assisted living facilities, which give residents the freedom to live as they choose, but offer extra support and care when needed. ALFs provide loving, safe, happy homes for those who cannot entirely care for themselves and need assistance with activities of daily living.

ALFs allow residents to feel protected and secure, provide wholesome food, offer transportation to shopping and appointments, monitor medical needs and facilitate social interaction. Florida Assisted Living Association is the voice of ALFs in Florida, serving as an advocate to protecting their members’ mission, oversee collective initiatives and promote their interests and goals.

Membership is comprised of facilities ranging in size from those who care for a few individuals to those that care for hundreds. It represents several hundred assisted living facilities and adult family care homes and many more associate members who provide products and services to ALFs. Florida Assisted Living Association’s board of directors is very active in local communities in many ways, including grassroots legislative advocacy.

Florida Assisted Living Association celebrated its 20-year anniversary in 2013 and has always been very hands-on when it comes to members. They look to the association for information and guidance about how to run their ALFs in the best possible way. Although Florida Assisted Living Association has a small staff, it goes above and beyond to be there for members. It also has an annual conference that gives members an opportunity each year to gather for networking, professional development, idea-sharing and fellowship. It has a partnership with members and both sides are collectively committed to promoting excellence in the ALF industry. Florida Assisted Living Association encourages member ALFs to perform to the “greenest” of their ability. Many facilities have efficient recycling programs in place so residents can dispose of glass, paper, plastic and aluminum while reducing the amount of waste being transferred to area landfills. It not only helps the environment, but it allows residents to know they have made a difference. Reducing energy costs is another beneficial component in becoming eco-friendly. Converting incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs and replacing old appliances can drastically reduce energy costs from month to month and is just another way members are “going green.” Florida Assisted Living Association is proud that members are looking to the future and want to operate their facilities in a way that is environmentally responsible.

Florida Assisted Living Association has a website, Facebook page, electronic newsletter and email-based messaging system. It strives to have open and frequent communication with members. Social media has opened up a communication avenue that members have enjoyed. Florida Assisted Living Association not only posts timely and interesting information, but also shares member accomplishments so others can give feedback and congratulations. Florida Assisted Living Association also enjoys sharing photos of events and newsworthy articles. Florida Assisted Living Association’s new electronic newsletter debuted in October 2012 and is called Florida Assisted Living Association Insider: News & Notes. The first issue featured information about the 2012 annual conference as well as a column about the industry that was published in several state newspapers. Additionally, the newsletter provided details about a Florida Assisted Living Association election initiative that provided ALFs with voter guidelines to prevent voter fraud.

Florida Assisted Living Association intends to continue to carry out its vision of displaying integrity and professionalism, best practices in providing quality of care and innovation and commitment to the profession. It has accomplished a great deal in 20 years and looks forward to 20 more.

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